Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
Picture a steaming bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup on a chilly evening: comforting, vibrant, and filled to the brim with honest-to-goodness flavors. This classic soup brings together tender ground beef, plump macaroni, hearty vegetables, and a tomato-rich broth spiced just right. Each spoonful is a mini celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to brighten up lunch the next day, this is the recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This wonderful soup is built on a lineup of easy-to-find ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in the finished bowl. No fancy extras—just straightforward pantry and fridge staples that deliver big on taste, texture, and color.
- Lean ground beef: The foundation of the soup, it brings flavor, richness, and satisfying protein to each spoonful.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, melding beautifully with the beef as it cooks.
- Garlic, minced: Just a couple of cloves infuse the broth with that unbeatable aroma and zing that no kitchen should be without.
- Beef broth: This is the soul of the soup, lending body and savory notes that make everything taste “just right.”
- Water: Helps balance the broth and ensures you have plenty of soup to go around.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juice: Brings brightness, acidity, and a subtle tang that keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and provides extra tomato goodness for that classic base.
- Elbow macaroni: The favorite pasta for this soup, it soaks up all the flavors while adding soft, chewy comfort.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans): A shortcut to color, variety, and a touch of sweetness in every bite.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a savory blend of herbs that ties the ingredients together perfectly.
- Paprika: A dash gives mild warmth and a subtle, smoky undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to taste and tweak at the end—they bring the whole soup to life!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Just the right note of freshness and eye-catching brightness for garnish.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add your lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly and develop those tasty little caramelized bits on the bottom. If there’s any excess fat after browning, drain it off—this keeps the soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot with your browned beef. Give everything a good stir and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. The onion will turn soft and translucent, while the garlic releases its fragrant aroma—this duo lays the flavor foundation for your Beef and Macaroni Soup.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Tomato Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the can of diced tomatoes (including their juice) and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together. These ingredients create the base for your soup, bringing a balance of savory depth and lively tomato flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Mix in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes—enough time for the seasonings to mingle and the soup to start smelling truly irresistible.
Step 5: Add Macaroni and Vegetables
Tip in the elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir gently and let the soup cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the veggies are perfectly tender. This is when Beef and Macaroni Soup transforms into a complete meal!
Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Give your soup a careful taste—add more salt or pepper if needed. For an extra pop, stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve right away for maximum coziness.
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
Garnishes are the fun finishing touch for any bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds both color and a fresh flavor contrast, while a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a swirl of olive oil can make it feel extra special. If you want to add a spicy kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Side Dishes
With so much flavor already in the pot, you don’t need much on the side—a crusty slice of bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dunking. You could also pair this soup with a crisp green salad, or set out a platter of roasted veggies for balance. For a playful family dinner, serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or buttered toast points.
Creative Ways to Present
Part of Beef and Macaroni Soup’s magic is how easy it is to make it look inviting. Try ladling the soup into rustic bowls and topping with herbs or cheese. For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls or small mugs at a party—guests will love the hands-on approach! If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of herbed oil or float a few crispy croutons on top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the soup has cooled a bit, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. Beef and Macaroni Soup keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors have time to meld and deepen—sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for a busy night, let the soup cool completely first. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. The macaroni does get softer after freezing and thawing, but the soup remains as heartwarming as ever. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick (macaroni does soak up liquid as it sits), just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. If you’re microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the beef with another type Soup
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef and creates a lighter version of Beef and Macaroni Soup. Even ground pork or a plant-based meat alternative can work if that’s more your style. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats may not need quite as long to brown.
Should I cook the macaroni separately?
There’s no need—cooking the macaroni right in the soup infuses it with flavor and keeps the cleanup simple. If you prefer a firmer pasta or are making the soup ahead, you can boil the macaroni separately and add it just before serving.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh diced carrots, peas, corn, or green beans are a wonderful swap. Just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process so they have time to become tender without overcooking the pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
The key is not to overcook it—give the macaroni just long enough to turn tender, then serve right away. If you plan to store leftovers, you can cook the pasta separately, add it to each serving, and keep it from sitting too long in the broth.
Is Beef and Macaroni Soup gluten-free?
As written, the traditional recipe uses regular elbow macaroni, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make Beef and Macaroni Soup gluten-free by substituting your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the package directions for cook time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that soul-warming dish everyone will look forward to, it doesn’t get better than Beef and Macaroni Soup. It’s a delicious blend of flavors, textures, and happy memories all in one pot. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if people start asking when you’ll make it again!
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Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family meal. This easy stovetop soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and tender macaroni in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Stir in macaroni and frozen vegetables. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Adjust and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering (remember to remove before serving).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
